2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 16

Detroit Lions (3-10-1) at Denver Broncos (5-9)

Sunday, December 22, 4:05PM ET

At this point in the season, the Detroit Lions are asking for mercy. It’s been a dumpster fire of a 2019 campaign for a club that’s headed for the bottom of the NFC North barrel. Despite facing a 5-9 Denver Broncos team in Week 16, another mark in the loss column seems likely.

It’s like everything has gone wrong for the Lions this season. They’re down to their third-string quarterback, other offensive playmakers can’t stay healthy, and the defense has failed to live up to its potential. Matt Patricia was supposed to turn this franchise around, but he’s instead had the opposite effect.

Meanwhile, the Broncos’ season has turned around a bit since Drew Lock took the reins. Although the turnaround was a tad late, it leaves hope for the 2020 campaign. The young gunslinger has put together some quality performances since returning from injury, and seems destined for another in Week 16 against a miserable Lions secondary.

The Broncos offense gets going in front of the Mile High crowd, while the Denver defense makes life unbearable for David Blough and the Lions. The win does nothing but bump them down the draft order, but it provides Broncos fans with glimpses of a brighter future.

Prediction: Broncos win 27-14